For more than two decades, Eric has been an integral part of AT&T, a company that has experienced incredible growth and change over the years. He contributed to its evolution at many levels of the job, starting as an intern and paving a unique career path in multiple roles across several teams, eventually ending up in finance.
However, there came a point when Eric decided he needed more control over his trajectory within the company. Eric already had a master’s degree in economics and finance and law, but he was looking for something that would set him apart. “I wanted to be different from everyone else,” he reveals.
Eric planned his next career move with a strategic mindset and began looking for a degree to not only strengthen his academic credentials, but also gain practical skills for his current role. He chose to pursue an online Master of Science in Accounting (iMSA) at the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Spotting iMSA on LinkedIn was the beginning of Eric’s journey. “You know what? I should check this out, he thought. Intrigued by the affordability of the program, the prestige of the university, and especially the high ranking of the degree, he saw it as a special opportunity. For him, the online environment was great because it eliminated the need to travel an hour to the nearest university. He even says, “I feel like I have more interaction with the professor than in a traditional setting.”
Upon enrollment, Eric gained a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge analytical techniques through the iMSA program. The course includes live lectures and other video materials on Coursera, which Eric used to dive deeper into the topics. Eric was particularly impressed with the program’s data analytics course, commenting on how he can apply the lessons to his work.
In addition to the virtual classrooms, working with other iMSA participants from around the world was an enriching cultural experience for Eric. Through numerous team projects, he connected with colleagues in different time zones from Sydney to Ghana, and even some at AT&T. Participating with such diverse groups, he realized, was a special learning experience, making his studies uniquely rewarding.
Between a rigorous curriculum and increasing work responsibilities, Eric managed to find a balance. “I dedicate time on Saturdays and Sundays to focus on schoolwork,” he said.
With the iMSA program, Eric did more than just strengthen his accounting knowledge. “This degree has really revitalized my career,” she beams. He credits getting his degree for his return to a finance job at AT&T and a new role that heavily involved accounting.
Eric’s story is a testament to the value of iMSA, as his improved skills and knowledge directly impacted his career. However, his journey is not over. By the end of the year, he will take on even more accounting responsibilities at AT&T, and his professional future is full of potential.
In Eric’s words, “Don’t hesitate about online programs,” because you can enjoy superior learning from anywhere. Benefiting from a flexible academic environment and respected teaching staff, students like Eric continue to excel in their careers as they pursue their professional ambitions with Gies iMSA.
Learn more about the iMSA program at Gies College of Business.